We Need to Forget About Advertising And Bring Back Small-Town-Style Parades

Today it seems most parades are extended commercials; each business uses their own float as an advertisement but it seems the foundation of a modern parade should be more than just a consumer's buffet. The Chatham Fourth of July Parade in Cape Cod, MA is considered one of the last small-town American parades.

What makes the small-town American parade special is its emphasis on community. I've had the luxury of walking in the Chatham Fourth of July Parade for three years now and every year there is a theme that somehow relates to their town, it is town pride.

What's special about this small-town parade is the passion its participants have. It's not a hundred professionals, strangers to each other working to put up the big inflatable snoopy or the muppets float like the Thanksgiving day parade. The focus of the parade is not one big celebrity people could only dream of having a conversation with. The small-town parade is average people with average jobs coming together to create something not even close to average.

All of the locals in town work on their own float for what they are representing, like a small business or theatre troupe or ice cream shop. It's a small-town, most of the people in the parade know each other and lend each other materials or ideas. Technically the Chatham parade is a competition, each float competing for a plaque and some publicity but that's not why all of these people come out to participate.

It's not to win, or to show-off their businesses or events show how fancy their float is. It's to have fun and to make the spectators have fun. It is a time to forget the troubles back home and enjoy the people you are watching the parade with. It is an opportunity to live in the moment.

As I walked the parade route, I saw all of the people watching smiling or talking or singing along to each float's music. The kids were all sandwiched in the front row with little bags or frisbees eagerly awaiting the goodies traditionally handed out. It's like Christmas in July for the kids. The parade route is hot, with close to no shade, even just sitting watching is enough to dehydrate for the day and yet nobody seems to care.

Everyone is still smiling. The point of a parade is not to advertise or show-off, the point of a parade is, as the Chatham, Cape Cod parade proves, to bring a community together under a common theme. It doesn't matter if the theme is pride or holidays or any other hundred themes, all that matters is the people of a community are together, supporting each other and having fun.

10 Reasons Why You Should Be Proud To Be An American

The Fourth of July is not just a day meant for shooting off fireworks. The Fourth of July is meant for celebrating the day that our nation became independent and the Declaration of Independence was signed.

With all of the difficulties and hard times our country is often faced with, it can often leave you wondering ”why should I be proud to be an American?” While America is not a perfect country, there is a lot that is right about this country that we might forget exists.

Here are ten reasons why I believe that you should be proud to be an American.

1. Freedom

We are the land of the free, because of the brave. America is unique because it is a free country. People are willing to fight and unfortunately, sometimes die for our country, just so it can remain free. As an American you have the freedom of speech, religion, the press, and the right to vote, just to name a few. America has many freedoms that are not enjoyed by other countries.

2. Opportunity

America offers practically endless opportunities. As an American you can attend college, get a degree, and a career in the field of your dreams. You can get a great education and learn as much as you would like to learn. As an American you have the opportunity to do whatever you want to do with your life. The United States allows individuals to pursue their dreams and visions.

3. Beautiful scenery

America is full of beautiful scenery. America has 50 different states that are all full of their own unique scenery. From sea to shining sea, countless national parks, to the cities and country side views, to amazing sunrises and sunsets, you will always find beautiful scenery in America.

4. Melting Pot

America is truly a melting pot. American history began with immigrants from other countries, who brought their cultures and diversity to this country. No other country is as diverse as the United States. America welcomes people from different countries, races, and religions.

5. Unity

The United States is truly united. When tragedy strikes, American citizens come together, do what they can to help, and show their support. The United States helps other countries when they are in crisis. The United States engages in dangerous situations for the good of other people.

6. Diverse Culture

American culture is very diverse. Every state contains a unique culture. America has a wide diversity of music, food, and movies. America is a melting pot of rich cultures.

7. Land of the Free, because of the Brave

America is the land of the free, because of the brave. Strangers that we have never even met before are willing to fight for and defend our country, so that it can remain free. Brave soldiers and police officers put their lives on the line to protect us Americans, to help keep us safe.

8. Free Public Education

America has an amazing education system. As Americans, we have 12 years of free public schooling. Educated minds are very valuable in today’s world.

9. Fun Pastimes

As Americans, we have the opportunity to participate in many different pastimes. We can go to an amusement park, a sporting event, concerts, movies… the list goes on and on! The fun things that you can do with family and friends in America are seemingly endless.

10. National Pride

Americans are proud to be Americans. We Americans show pride in our country, such as saying the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the National Anthem at sporting events. Patriotism is a key part of this country. Be proud to be an American and always remember the endless opportunities this country offers.

And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.

There Is So Much Beauty In The Fourth Of July Despite The Blazing Hot Temperatures

July fourth is arguably one of the hottest and most American holidays there is. Families and friends come together to celebrate the day of the United States' independence. The whole town comes out to the same place, at the same time, to sit in the burning hot sun and watch the commencement of the celebration parade.

Old cars drive through, fire trucks and police cars blare their sirens, pageant princesses and little misses wave from their glorious floats, high school bands play with the sunlight gleaming off their instruments, and horses prance through the street.

Even with so many amazing things going by, everyone's attention is always on something else. Retired veterans from every branch of the military drive or walk by, proudly wearing their hats and waving at everyone they pass. These are the people that you're going to want to pay attention to, out of respect if nothing else.

Just about every other car throws out candy and little kids scramble to get some before it disappears. It's a race to get the most and the best pieces. Clearly, this is the highlight of their morning and it keeps them quiet until siblings start fighting over who got what. Although by the end of the day, all you've got is hard bubble gum and partially unwrapped dum-dums.

Once the last sirens die out the majority of the crowd begins to trickle away. Some go to the pool or the beach and get a tan, and others take it easy all day, but most will be grilling out on this night. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and apple pie are served and the adults kick back with a beer to watch the children play and run around in their red, white, and blue outfits.

Chances are the local park will hold family-friendly festivities that evening, including face painting and sketchy amusement rides. People are posing for pictures at every turn and the sound of overlapping chatter and laughing never dies down.

As the temperature begins to drop a couple degrees kids and adults alike light up sparklers and draw pictures or words in the air, creating fairytale-like memories that will carry on anytime you think of the Fourth of July.

Finally, when dusk starts to settle in it is time for the long-awaited fireworks. The best spots in town fill up within in minutes to watch the show, but really it's pretty good from nearly anywhere you choose. Family pets are hurried inside to avoid any mishaps or runways and then the sky lights up with beautiful colors and designs.

The last fireworks are always the best because the town always makes sure to have a very grand finale. By the time they end, it's late at night and everyone is tired but in a good way. Some people might be sunburnt and some might be getting a tad grumpy, yet no one seems to really care that much. It ends up to be a great day had by all, and hopefully, nobody forgets the true meaning and importance of this summer holiday.